Can Whippets Live With Cats – Socializing Your Pets

If you are thinking about getting a whippet and already have a cat as a part of your household, you may be wondering if it is a good idea. Introducing cats to any animal in general, even other cats, is scary because there is always the chance of dislike and fighting amongst the animals. However, with whippets specifically, it can be worrisome since they are known to not only injure but kill family cats. So what would happen if they lived amongst one another, and is it safe to do so? Can whippets live with cats?

Yes, with the proper training and socialization early on, a whippet can learn to accept cats. However, you should supervise their interactions and avoid leaving them alone together until they have received proper training, as there have been cases of whippets killing cats. 

You likely have more questions regarding the safety of your cat and potential training of your whippet, so we should dive right into it! 

Are whippets good with cats?

A whippet and cat can live peacefully with one another. However, there have been cases of whippets killing cats. It is best to train and socialize the whippet while young for the best chances of your whippet accepting a cat. Always supervise any interaction between the two animals, even when your whippet gets trained to ensure no accidents occur because of the whippet’s primal instinct to hunt prey. 

How long does it take for a whippet and cat to get used to each other?

The timeframe for these two animals to get used to each other can range from a few weeks to never. The time frame for warming up depends on the animal’s personality and how well trained they are. The way you should introduce the animals to each other will also play a crucial role in how they react when meeting. The animals may take a liking to each other almost immediately if they got trained and the introduction got done correctly. 

How to introduce a whippet to a cat?

There are numerous ways you can safely introduce these two animals. Below are some great ways to do this:

Scent Swapping

To do this properly, you will need to keep the two animals completely separate until your new pet has gone to the vet and gotten cleared of any illnesses. 

During these 3 or 4 days of separation, place items with the cat’s scent on them, such as toys or blankets, inside the same room that the dog is occupying. Scent swapping will introduce the cat’s scent to the dog and do the same to provide the dog’s smell to the cat. Doing so allows immediate recognition during the first meeting. 

Training

Since whippets respond poorly to hard criticism during the training, they will often disobey if they are being scolded or made to do something they are not ready for or do not want to do. Whippets need positivity during training for the best results. 

Cats require rewards such as praise during training. Instead of scolding or punishing when something is not done correctly, try again, and once it is done correctly, reward with praise and a treat to see the most results.

If possible, use the same basic commands while training both animals that way, if you need to get both animals under control due to their dislike with each other, you can use a command such as “sit,” “stay,” or “stop” and they will both understand and oblige. 

Their first face to face interaction 

Doing scent swapping before this will increase the chances of acceptance from both animals as they already recognize each other’s scents. 

To decrease the risk of injury to you or the two animals, always have the whippet on a leash, trim both animals’ nails correctly and keep the first couple of meetings brief. While they are together, give a few simple commands, you have taught them and praise them accordingly. This will allow you to know if they will continue following commands in the presence of the other animal. Also, be sure to provide your whippet with exercise before the meeting to lessen the chances of it wanting to chase and hunt the cat. 

Continue short face to face meetings

Try to expose them to one another as often as possible, but in short bursts. Analyze their behavior around each other to feel their comfort levels. Once your cat begins to show signs of agitation or stress, separate them again to avoid any violent behavior. 

Allow them to be free

When they have become comfortable around each other, let them be together in a sizeable room or fenced-in yard. Attach your whippet to a long lease for you to intervene quickly and have more control over the situation if things get rough. Do not rush the introduction process because you or your animals can get injured if rushed. 

Are whippets easy to train?

Although they are not the easiest breed of dog to train, whippets are very intelligent dogs and capable of learning commands with a little patience. 

Can I leave a whippet alone with my cat?

If your whippet is trained properly, you can leave your cat alone with your whippet. However, you should not leave them alone for long periods regardless of training as whippets are hunters, and if provoked by your cat in any way, you risk losing your family cat. 

Will a whippet kill a cat?

There have been numerous cases of a whippet killing a family cat. Note that not only untrained or poorly trained whippets kill cats, but well-trained ones have mauled cats as well. This is why it is essential to never leave the two animals alone for a long time or isolate them in separate areas whenever you leave to prevent this. 

Conclusion

Whippets are born hunters, and small animals, such as cats, are typically their prey. Although it is not ideal for them to live together, you can take steps to introduce them to one another to allow living together to be possible, but it is crucial to not rush this process. It would be in your best interest to not allow them to roam free together when you are not home, but if you have to leave them alone together, do not be gone for long periods no matter how well trained your whippet is.